Reasons for a Blog

First, allow me to introduce myself and provide some background for this latest endeavor of producing the C.H. Art Blog. My profession is that of a secondary school educator of the Latin language and Roman culture. Two years ago I decided that I needed a creative outlet and I discovered that outlet residing in a lifelong interest of mine: art - especially, painting.

I grew up in a household that is passionate about art. My mother is a watercolorist, a graphic designer, and was President of LACS for two years. She encouraged me to develop my skills, but discouraged me from pursuing a career as an artist, realizing the hardships many face in sustaining a living as a working artist. (She clearly recognized my somewhat timid personality and guided me away from the art world.) I, accordingly, followed other interests: language and antiquities.

I have been teaching Latin now for fifteen years, and I love it! Yet, I still have a desire to return to creating art. About 6 years ago, I painted a portrait of my dog using oils. It was only the 3rd oil painting I had ever completed, the first in nearly 10 years. I enjoyed the process, but didn't begin to focus on anything creative until a few more years had passed. Then, 3 years ago I picked up the paintbrush again only to be disappointed in my attempts.

After many deliberations with my artist friend, Giovanni DeCunto, I decided that I needed to enhance and polish my drawing skills before transitioning to paint. Consequently, for the previous three years I have been drawing nearly everyday for at least an hour, including a few hours a week under Giovanni's tutelage. (Not much time, but the most I could give based on the fact that I have a full time job.) I have been consistent in my efforts to improve. At this point, I am relatively comfortable with my drawing ability.

During the time I had given myself to refine my drawing skills, I also completed a paucity of paintings, which are indeed the works of a novice, some of which I worked on with a local artist, Edwina Caci. As part of my New Year's resolution for 2010, I decided it was time to give oils my full attention. With this in mind, I signed up for a painting class at MassArt (Painting: Personal and Powerful with instructor Nancy McCarthy). I have learned much thus far, and I am ever improving, but I am still uncertain as to what style will be the true manner of my expression. This is brings the main reason I have decided to blog.  Reflection is an essential part of growing in any field. A blog, if maintained, will force me to reflect. At some point, therefore, I will discover my identity as an artist.  Furthermore, I feel that any critiques from the public would motivate me to strengthen my work.

So there it is. I am making myself completely vulnerable and placing my attempt to paint on the web for the world to observe and critique. Here's to the evolution of my painting!